Roof structure

ABSTRACT

A ROOF STRUCTURE FOR A DWELLING, BUILDING OR MODULE THEREFOR THAT IS AT LEAST PARTIALLY FABRICATED AND THEN TRANSPORTED TO THE ULTIMATE CONSTRUCTION SITE, THE ROOF STRUCTURE OF WHICH HAS AN IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION TO PERMIT IT TO BE COLLAPSED DURING TRANSIT AND THEN EASILY ERECTED TO A PREDETERMINED PITCH AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE.

Sept. 20, 1971 B. J. SOLESBEE ROOF STRUCTURE Filed April 4, 1969 F/G. 3- L INVENTOR 4 BOBBY J SOLESBEE A 7' TOR/V5 Y United States Patent Office 3,605,355 Patented Sept. 20, 1971 US. Cl. 5290 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A roof structure for a dwelling, building or module I therefor that is at least partially fabricated and then transported to the ultimate construction site, the roof structure of which has an improved construction to permit it to be collapsed during transit and then easily erected to a predetermined pitch at the construction site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Consumer demand, building costs and high interest rates have precipitated a new adjunct to the building industry. Many companies are now abandoning the old concept of pre-fabriation of the structure at the building site and are beginning to build modular units for dwellings or buildings for transfer to an ultimate building site. The modules are then connected to mating modules on the building site to provide a structurally sound and finished building. Such modular construction does not necessarily pertain only to low-cost housing, but any dwelling or building may be designed for modular construction and pre-finished except for necesary connection of the modules and completion of the building pertaining thereto that by necessity must be accomplished on the building site.

Construction of this nature has experienced some problems, one of which is transportation. Transportation of any structure that is as high as a normal dwelling presents continuous problems when low bridges, underpasses, limbs, etc. appear in route that will impede the continuation of travel of the transport. Obviation of these problems of height of the structure has been attempted heretofore by lessening of the overall height of the building or module. For example, the buildings or modules have been constructed without the roof and the roof has been separately constructad and transported to the construction site. Alternatively, the roof is not pre-constructed, but is constructed on the building or module at the building site. A second approach has evolved in the form of a collapsible roof. Specifically roof structures have been finished to some degree along with the building or module, but left in a fiat or semiflat, collapsed condition during storage and transit. Once on the building site, the roof is then raised and secured. Such an approach is the subject of the present invention.

The prior art discloses collapsible type roof structures, but does not anticipate or suggest the roof structure of the present invention. US. Pat. 3,404,496 to Ballard is in point. Ballard discloses roof structures for collapse during transit, but all of his structures are deficient in teaching or suggesting the structure and advantages obtained by practice of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel roof structure that may be transported ina relatively flat position and elevated to a pre-determined pitch at the building site.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel roof support structure which when incorporated into a roof structure allows the roof structure to be transported into a collapsed condition to the ultimate construction site where the building is to be erected, and when on site to be raised to a pre-determined pitch.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a building having a roof structure that is collapsible after fabrication whereby said building may be transported to an ultimate site with the roof collapsed.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a building module having a collapsible roof structure, whereby during transit of the module to an ultimate construction site where it will be joined to other complementary modules, the roof is collapsed.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Generally, speaking, the present invention relates to a roof support structure that, after fabrication and incorporation into a roof structure, allows the roof structure to be transported in a collapsed condition to the building site. The aforementioned roof support structure comprises a ceiling joist, a rafter hinged to said joint adjacent one end for vertical movement, said joist and said rafter forming a substructure; a plurality of internal support members hinged at one end to said substructure, and; a separate, vertical support member for insertion between said joist and said rafter adjacent the ends opposite the hinged end of said joist and said rafter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building module cut away to show employment of the roof structure of the present invention and showing a mating module in phantom.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the roof support structure of the present invention, said support being shown in the collapsed position for transit.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of a building module showing the roof support structure in the raised position as it would appear at the ultimate construction site when the roof is raised.

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of a roof structure showing a modification of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 shows the roof support structure as it Would appear after fabrication and before being incorporated into a roof structure of a building or building module. A roof joist 10 is provided with a plurality of metal connecting plates 12, 14, and 16. The connecting plates are permanently secured to joist 10 at all locations where other members of the roof support, structure are designed to be secured to joist 10 at a later time. FIG. 2, for instance, shows three such plates. Plate 12 is provided at the end of the roof structure that will ultimately reside above the outer wall of the building or module. After 20 is temporarily hinged for vertical movement to joist 10 through a hinge connection 12' at plate 12. A large nail driven through plate 12 and rafter 20 suitably provides the temporary hinge connection 12'. Any other suitable hinge means may, however, be employed.

Rafter 20 is beveled at its outer end 22 and is greater in length than joist 10, so that, when the completed roof structure is raised at the building site, the inner end 24 of rafter 20 will be positioned above, but in line with the inner end 11 of joist 10. Intermediate the length of rafter 20, is located double connection plate 18. One end of plate 18 is permanently secured to rafter 20' while the opposite end extends downwardly away from rafter 20 where it provides a hinge connection for support members 30 and 32. Vertical member 30 is temporarily hinged to rafter 20 through a hinge connection 18 at plate 18, and while the support is in collapsed position, assumes a horizontally disposed, nonsupporting position as shown in FIG. 2. Diagonal member 32, like member 30 is temporarily hinged to rafter 20 through a hinge connection 18" at plate 18 and assumes a horizontally disposed, nonsupporting position, but in the opposite direction to the lay of member 30. The ends of members 30 and 32 opposite to the hinge connections are free while the roof support structure is in the collapsed condition. The end of member 32 that is hinged to rafter 20 is shown to have a flat end 32' and a beveled surface 32". Flat end 32 is provided to allow diagonal member 32 to swing free of vertical member 30 during erection of the roof structure and then to abut snugly against member 30 in the raised position to give the desired truss support to the roof structure.

Though it is preferred to hinge members 30 and 32 to rafter 20, it is also possible to instead, hinge members 30 and 32 to joist 10 or to hinge one to the rafter and one to the joist. Hence, in effect, in the fabrication of the roof support structure, when rafter 20 is hinged to joist 10, a substracture is formed. The internal support members may then be hinged to the substructure as desired to come up with a preferred collapsible structure.

The roof support structure is shown in the raised or normal position in FIG. 3. The structure is attached to the building or module as at 11 and 13. The connection between roof joist 10 and walls 11 and 13 does not form a part of this invention, and any suitable means for connecting the members may be used. Rafter 20 is now shown in the raised or normal position, and the desired angle or pitch to the roof which has been predetermined has been realized. The predetermined pitch to the roof is built into the structure by the angle of bevel 22, and the length of now vertical support members 30 and 34. Vertical support member 34 is not operationally attached to the structure in the collapsed position, though it may be removably affixed to one of the functional members for transporting to the building site. The raised roof structure thus shows the desired pitch to the roof and additionally the internal support as provided by members 30, 32 and 34.

After the roof support structure has been completed, it is incorporated into the roof structure of a building or module as shown in FIG. 1. If a complete building is fabricated, then the phantom portion of FIG. 1 would be omitted and aslanted roofed structure would be shown with every wall being an exterior wall. In FIG. 1, however, the employment of building module is depicted. A module indicated generally as 40 is fabricated at the factory to a desired state of completion. For instance, all internal walls mabe be finished including the ceiling; carpets may be installed and all fixtures installed in the kitchen, bathroom, etc. Generally, however, the interior .wall that is designed to mate with the interior wall of another module is left unfinished so that the modules can be connected. It is possible, however, to complete all interior walls and to join the modules only i at top and bottom.

A plurality of roof support structures indicated generally as are spaced along the length of the building or module. The number of support structures used of course depends upon the length of the building or module and the use to which the final product is to be put. Each of the structures is permanently united into the composite roof 41 of the building or module and the roof is in the collapsed position as the roof support structure is shown in FIG. 2. Depending upon the desires of the builder, the roof 41 may be completed above the support structure except possibly for a roof strip 42 adjacent the outer, lower end which should ordinarily be left uncovered to facilitate ease of completion of fabrication, after raising of the roof, to be more fully described hereinafter. In using the roof support structures of the present invention to fabricate a roof for a building or module, lateral members with respect to the roof support structures 5 will be employed to strengthen the overall roof and to tie all the roof support structures together. These lateral braces or support members are not shown in FIG. 1 so as to more clearly illustrate deployment of the present roof support structures. Such members 7 could run for instance along the length of roof 41 and be secured to each roof support structure at the lower part of member 30 and the adjacent section of joist 10, shown in phantom in FIG. 3. Another lateral member 8 could be run the length of the roof and be secured to a notched out portion of rafter 20 as shown in phantom in FIG. 3.

One of the primary goals of modular construction is speed and efiiciency of completion of the overall structure at the building site. As mentioned above, a small portion of the roofing along the outer edge is omitted to facilitate permanent securing of the rafter 20 to joist 10 at the building site. This opening in the roof must, of course, be closed to the elements to prevent damage to the interior of the module during storage and transit to the building site. Normally, sheet polyethylene will be used to accomplish this purpose. One modification to the present invention readily accomplishes the closing and also lends to a more speedy and efiicient completion at the building site. FIG. 4 illustrates this modification. Rafters 20 are partially covered with a suitable roofing section 42 which includes sub-roofing and an outer roofing material such as shingles or the like. Laying upon roofing section 42 is the end roof section 43. End roof section 43 is hinged to roofing section 42 by suitable hinge means 45. Boxing 44 is shown positioned above end roof section 43'. When the junction of rafters 20 and joists 10 are complete, end roof section 43 of roof 41 is then pivoted around hinge 45 and brought to rest on rafters 20. As shown in phantom in FIG. 4, boxing 44 now resides below 'end section 43 and below the roof 41 providing support for the overhang or end section 43 of roof 41. The hinged end roof section 43 of roof 41 may be used to cover the opening during transit and storage of the module. At the building site end roof section 43 can then be lifted and brought to rest as shown in FIG. 4 until the rafters 20 are secured to joists 10. Roof section 43 is then brought back into the covering position as shown in phantom, secured and covered with asphalt shingles or the like.

After the building or module has been transported to the ultimate construction site, it is placed on a suitable footing or foundation and anchored thereto. The roof is then raised to the desired pitch by hand or mechanical means. Preferably a series of jacks are used to raise the roof and to hold it until all support members are secured in place. As the roof is being raised members 30 and 32 will pivot around their hinged connections 1 8' and 18" respectively and move downwardly toward joist 10 until they meet adjacent their hinged connections. Member 32 must then be raised While vertical member 30 is pulled into its vertical position. Diagonal member 32 is then lowered again where its nipped end 32' fits against member 30 While the bevel 32" fits snugly against rafter 20. Vertical member 34- is then inserted between end 11 of joist 10 and end 24 of rafter 20 and secured as by nailing or bolting through connection plates 16 and 19. Diagonal support member 32 is then suitably secured to joist 10 through connection plate .14 and to rafter 20 through plate 18 where members 30 and 32 abut to" complete the truss. After all support members are secured, the jacks can then be removed and the hinged connection between rafter 20 and joist '10 is then transformed into a permanent connection through plate 12.

In the situation when modular construction is being practiced, connection plates 16 and 19 may be secured to joist 10 and rafter 20 respectively in such a manner that a portion of the plates extend outwardly in the direction of a mating module. The mating module may then be joined to the original module through plates 16 and 19 when the mating module is properly aligned and placed. The roof for the modules must be raised separately. Accordingly, one is raised first and the mating module is then located appropriately and its roof raised. The two modules can then be joined by the connection plates and other suitable means.

Using the roof structure described herein, it is now possible to fabricate a structure away from the building site that will have a roof equal, if not greater in strength, than a roof structure that is fabricated as the building is being constructed on the site. Normally, the material from which the roof structure is fabricated is wood. Any suitable material of construction may, however, be employed, such as steel, plastic, etc. Additionally the shape and pitch may vary with the design of the building. Connection plates such as those mentioned in the description of the roof support structure are normally a thin gauge steel such, as for instance, 20 gauge galvanized steel. The connection plates may be of any suitable size, gauge or of any suitable material. Use of the connection plates is felt to add greatly to the overall strength of the truss. Normally, nails of an appropriate size are used to secure the members of the roof support structure. Obviously, bolts, screws, or the like, may be employed as desired.

The above description and drawings are set forth for the purpose of illustration only. Many variations and modifications thereof will be obvious to those skilled in the art and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein described.

That which is claimed is:

1. A prefabricated, collapsible roof support structure comprising:

(a) a joist;

(b) a rafter hinged to said joist adjacent one end and extending upwardly on an incline therefrom, said joist and said rafter forming a substructure;

(c) an internal vertical support member hinged at one end to said substructure; and

(d) an internal diagonal support member hinged at one end to said substructure, said vertical and diagonal members abutting each other at one end adjacent said rafter, whereby said vertical and diagonal members are pivotal around their respective hinge connections toward a substantially horizontally disposed position, thereby permitting said rafter to pivot around its hinge connection with said joist toward a collapsed position.

2. A prefabricated, collapsible roof support structure as defined in claim 1 wherein one end of said vertical support member and one of said diagonal support members are hinged to said rafter.

3. A prefabricated, collapsible roof support structure as defined in claim 1 wherein hinge connections are provided by connection plates which are permanently secured to one member of the structure and hinged to the other member of the structure.

4. A plurality of roof support structures as defined in ulaim 1 being joined together by members extending laterally from said roof support structures and affixed thereto, said roof support structures further having subroofing materials extending thereacross and afiixed thereto and an outer covering over said subroofing materials, whereby a roof is formed.

5. A plurality of roof support structures as defined in claim 4 wherein said subroofing materials are comprised of two sections, one of said sections being secured to said rafters and the second of said sections being the outer end section and being free from attachment to said rafters, said second outer end section being hinged to said first section, said second outer end section being removable from engagement with said rafters to permit access to a part of said roof support structures to permanently secure members of said roof support structures after the roof has been raised.

6. A plurality of roof support structures as defined in claim 4 wherein said structures are supported by side walls, whereby a building is formed.

7. A plurality of roof support structures as defined in claim 4 wherein said structures are supported by side walls on three sides thereof, whereby a building module is formed.

8. A plurality of roof support structures as defined in claim 7 wherein the roof is comprised of one section of subroofing material aflixed to said roof support structures and a second section of subroofing material hinged to said first section of subroofing material, said second section of subroofing material being removable from said roof support structures to permit access to a part of said roof support structures for permanent securing thereof when said roof is being raised.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,232,168 7/1917 Aronson 52-64l 2,642,825 6/1953 McEchone et a1. 52641 3,404,496 10/1968 Ballard 52641X 3,485,346 12/1969 Ballard 52641X FOREIGN PATENTS 20,234- 1912 France 52641 22,898 1955 Germany 52641 1,385,350 3/1964 France 52641 FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner S. D. BURKE, Assistant Examiner US Cl. X.R. 52-64l, 645 

